Village Newsletter - Spring 2024
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Greetings!
Winter is over and spring has sprung! We had an easy winter as far as snowfall goes (two years in a row now), but the spring has brought the rains, and how its rained!
My wife and I just finished looking at the eclipse, we’ve never experienced one before, seen pictures of them, but seeing it in person was an experience we’ll never forget.
The Village will be celebrating Earth Day at the Police/Public Works campus on April 20th from 9 am to noon. Activities at the event will include Touch a Truck, face painting, gardening tips, water testing activities, crayon recycling, a food drive, goats, giveaways, a food truck and more! I hope to see everyone there.
Something new this year, the Village is partnering with the Round Lake Area Park District to host two concerts for the family to enjoy. The first one is June 20th, the band is “28 Days”. The second one is August 8th, the band is “Wild Daisy”. The concerts are from 7:30 pm to 9 pm. Bring the whole family and have a picnic while enjoying some great music. Follow us on social media or visit our website for more information.
We also have our 3RD Annual Car Show this summer and National Night Out scheduled! There will be more information about these events in the upcoming months.
Everyone enjoy the spring and start of summer and look forward to seeing everyone at one or all of our events.
If you have any comments, questions, or ideas you would like to see included in the e-newsletter, please email me at rskraly@roundlakeil.gov.
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Sincerely,
Mayor Russ Kraly
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Keep Up To Date With What's Going On!
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Join us June 20 and August 8 at Hart's Woods Park, 814 Hart Rd.,
from 7:30-9 pm for some music in the park!
Performing on June 20th is 28DAYS
Stay tuned for more details!
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Join the Round Lake Public Works Department on April 20, from 9 am to 12 pm, at the Public Works garage, at 751 W. Townline Rd, for an Earth Day Event.
Please bring non-perishable food donations for the local food pantry.
2023 Junior Miss Earth USA, will be collecting broken and unused crayons to keep them out of our landfills through her platform Crayons For Kids. The crayons will then be sent out and melted into new crayons for Children’s Hospitals.
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Yard Waste/Food Scrap Collection Program
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The Village contracts with Groot Industries for weekly curbside yard waste and food scrap collection. Yard waste is collected once per week from April 1st through November 30th. Fees separate from residential garbage and recycling collection apply to this service.
Grass clippings, leaves, twigs, garden debris, weeds, fruits, seeds, stalks, and vines are acceptable landscape items. Landscape does not include wood timbers, plastic edging, plant pots or trays, fertilizer or landscape material bags, landscape fabric, root sections, sand, wood chips, bark, gravel, sod, firewood, rocks, excess amounts of dirt or animal waste.
Residents have two options for yard waste collection. Rates listed are for the full season April 1st - November 30th.
- Limited: $175.05 - Up to 6 bags/cans per week
- Unlimited: $203.69 - Unlimited bags/cans per week
Food Scrap Collection Option
For an additional fee of $47.74, residents will be allowed to commingle food scrap with landscape waste.
To sign up for the program, please contact Groot at 847-693-2700.
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Join members of the Round Lake Police Department for the Cop on a Rooftop event Friday, May 17, 2024. The event will last from 5:00 am to 12:00 pm and will be at our new Dunkin’ Donuts located at 751 N. Fairfield Rd! This fundraiser supports Special Olympics Illinois, which benefits athletes with intellectual disabilities statewide.
Special Olympics Illinois merchandise will be available in exchange for a donation. Join us, bring friends and family, and spread the word about this great event! Follow our Facebook page for more information. See you there!
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This year the Village is planning to resurface roads highlighted in blue in the map below. This project, estimated at $806k, will include Greywall Drive, Prairie View Lane, Meadow Mist Lane, Highplains Road, Winding Trail Circle, Prairie Walk Lane, and Edgewood Court.
These streets were selected as part of the current pavement management report which was adopted by the Village Board earlier this year. The report lays out a five-year plan for road projects and can be found on the Village website here. The street improvement project is currently out to bid and construction is anticipated to begin early this summer.
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Habitat for Humanity Lake County to Build New Single Family Home on Park Road
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For the first time in Habitat for Humanity Lake County’s history, their mission to provide affordable homeownership opportunities is coming to Round Lake—offering an opportunity for local families to establish roots, thrive, and contribute to the vibrant tapestry of our wonderful community! Efforts kicked off April 9th with the Round Lake Community Build. Please join fellow Round Lake neighbors for a transformative gathering where local volunteers unite to construct an affordable home for a deserving family right in our back yard.
How You Can Get Involved
Volunteer: HFHLC would love to host your business, civic organization, or family & friends on their Round Lake Build site! Roll up your sleeves and be a part of history as we come together to build homes from the ground up. Whether you're a seasoned builder or a first-time volunteer, your time and effort make a tangible difference in the lives of others. There are individual and group opportunities available.
Make a Gift: Every contribution fuels Habitat Lake County’s mission to provide affordable housing solutions. Your support enables them to purchase materials, secure permits, and turn blueprints into reality.
Spread the Word: Share the excitement and invite friends, family, and neighbors to join in this monumental endeavor. Together, we can inspire others to lend their support and become champions of change in our community.
The Round Lake Community Build is more than just construction; it's a celebration of unity, compassion, and the collective power of community. Together, we can build a foundation for a stronger, more inclusive Round Lake for generations to come.
For more information and to get involved visit habitatlc.org/round-lake-community-build or contact volunteer@habitatlc.org.
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As the weather gets warmer we recognize this as an opportunity to host outdoor events with the community and neighbors. If you are interested in hosting a block party or an outdoor event, please apply for an outdoor event license.
The license will be reviewed by the different Village departments including the police, public works, and fire district. This is to ensure safety and offers an opportunity to request Village services, like barricades to close the street.
Any outdoor event that invites the public to a public area will require a license. The license can be found on the Village website: Outdoor Event Application. Any questions, please reach out to the Community Development Department.
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This May marks the 44th year that the International Code Council (ICC) is hosting the Building Safety Month event.
This year, the theme is “MISSION POSSIBLE” which celebrates advances in construction of safe, sustainable, reliable, and resilient buildings and homes. In lock-step with its 64,000 members & professionals in the building construction, design & safety communities, and government agencies the ICC promotes Building Safety Month to raise awareness about the importance of building safety as well as promotes the critical role modern building codes have created safer and more resilient communities.
Please follow along all month as each week there is a different initiative that helps to raise awareness.
Week 1: Understanding the Mission
Includes an introduction of building safety, what Building Safety Month is, and how building safety affects us all.
Week 2: Preparing a Building Safety Plan
Highlights available educational resources (water/fire, sustainability & resiliency/disaster preparedness), including downloadable brochures, for building safety tips and best practices at home and in your community.
Week 3: Learning from the Pros
Shines a spotlight on building safety professionals, including what they do, how to work with them and how to become one yourself.
Week 4: Engaging Your Community
Includes information on how to advocate for building safety in your community, including actionable tips on how to be a proponent of building safety and ways to get kids involved.
Week 5: Celebrating Success in Building Safety
Highlighting individuals and communities who are making a difference in building safety (editorial spotlights), including sharing the current year's Building Safety Month celebrations and events.
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Public Works staff members will be replacing outdated meter reading equipment in various locations of the Village. Residential and commercial water meters are read using a drive-by radio read system.
Every house and business has a radio transponder (MXU) mounted outside of the building similar to the photo to the right. The units being replaced have reached the end of their useful life.
The new units are the same size and will go back in the same location. There is no need for staff to enter your home but they will knock on your door before they begin work to let you know what they’re doing.
Staff will be in marked Village vehicles and wearing Village uniforms. If you have any questions please contact Public Works at 847-546-0962 or pwdept@roundlakeil.gov.
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Round Lake Fiscal Year 2025 Draft Budget
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The Village operates under the Municipal Budget Act as defined in the Illinois Compiled Statutes. The budget estimates for both revenues and expenditures for the fiscal year provide the legal level of control at the fund level and provide the spending authority for the fiscal year. The budget is administered by the Village Administrator under the appointed title of Budget Officer.
The Village budget is a financial plan that describes the money the Village will collect and spend within a year. The Village operates on a fiscal year, which starts May 1st and ends on April 30th. The budget outlines recommendations on how to meet the needs of our community in a fiscally responsible manner. The budget is developed by carefully evaluating available resources, and applying sound administrative decisions and practices. At the April 1, 2024 Committee of the Whole meeting, an overview of the draft fiscal year 2025 operating budget was presented to the Village Board. The total proposed budget for the fiscal year 2025 is $25.1 million, including inter-fund transfers.
The budget message presented to the Village Board may be viewed at:
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Public Works will begin flushing fire hydrants in late April. This important task not only flushes water through the hydrants and water mains but also gives staff the opportunity to ensure the hydrants are in good working order and make any necessary repairs. Signs will be posted near neighborhood entrances a day or two before flushing starts.
Residents may notice a slight discoloration of the water after flushing. This is not harmful and will dissipate after a short time. It is recommended that you do not do laundry on the day of hydrant flushing to avoid any discoloration.
If you have any questions, please contact the Public Works Department at (847) 546-0962.
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Do I need a Building Permit?
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If you find yourself asking this question, chances are you probably do! As the winter season is coming to an end and DIY (Do it yourself) and home projects season is around the corner, we would like to remind you of the importance of obtaining a building permit.
What projects require a permit?
Projects that require a permit include roofs, siding, fences, sidewalks, driveways, decks, culverts, demolitions, air conditioners, furnaces, plumbing, electrical, accessory structures (pergolas, gazebos, etc.), retaining walls, signs, solar panels, patios, fireplaces, pools (both temporary and permanent), and sewer repairs to name a few.
If you live in an area with a Homeowner’s Association, their approval may be necessary first before obtaining a permit with the Village. Call the Community Development Department to double-check if your project requires a permit.
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Why do I need a permit?
It protects you! A permit protects you, your family, your friends, your home, and future owners. By following code guidelines, your completed and inspected project will meet minimum standards for safety.
It makes selling a property easier! If a property is sold, the owner is required to disclose any improvements or repairs made and if permits were obtained. Many financial institutions will not finance a purchase without proof of a final inspection. If the home or building had modifications without a permit, you may be required to tear down the addition, leave it unoccupied, or do costly repairs.
It saves money! Property insurers may not cover work or damages done without permits and proper inspections.
What happens if I don’t get a permit?
· Your safety is at risk if no proper inspections are done on your project.
· Fines (double the permit fee)
· You may be required to remove or uninstall said project
· You may have issues with insurance companies down the road
· Could cause conflict with neighbors
Who is responsible for getting a Building Permit?
The property owner is ultimately responsible for obtaining a building permit.
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Warm weather is approaching fast and that means more people will be outside enjoying it on their bicycles. The Round Lake Police Department would like to remind everyone of the following tips (provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration “NHTSA”) to keep safe while riding:
- Always wear a helmet
- Adjust your bicycle to fit and check your equipment
- See and Be Seen
- Control the Bicycle
- Watch for and Avoid Road Hazards
- Use Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication
- Avoid Riding at Night
It is also important to remember these rights and responsibilities if you ride on the road:
- Go with the Traffic Flow
- Obey all Traffic Laws
- Yield to Traffic
- Be Predictable
- Stay Alert at All Times
- Look Before Turning
- Watch for Parked Cars
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The Village of Round Lake is pleased to announce that Rick Pearson has passed the International Code Council examination to become a Certified Residential Building Inspector.
The Residential Building Inspector will be responsible for performing inspections of structures to determine compliance with various Building Codes and Standard adopted by the Village. At this level of certification, the Inspector can inspect one and two family dwellings, townhomes and accessory structures.
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Now Hiring! The Village of Round Lake, Illinois is seeking applicants for a full time Code Enforcement Inspector and Maintenance Worker to join the the Village of Round Lake.
Please visit our website for more information.
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NEW BUSINESSES! The Village encourages everyone to support our local businesses. The Village would like to welcome the following new businesses to Round Lake:
- Inspire Promo Graphics located at 306 N Cedar Lake Road
- SFMF LLC located at 804 Sunset Drive Unit A
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VILLAGE OFFICES CLOSED Village Offices will be closed on May 27, 2024 in observance of Memorial Day.
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SOCIAL MEDIA - Remember to like and follow all our social media pages to stay up to date on current information happening throughout the Village of Round Lake.
- Twitter - @roundlakeil
- Instagram - @villageofroundlake
- Facebook - Village of Round Lake, IL
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Village Officials
Russ Kraly, Mayor
Village Clerk
Stacy Michael
Trustees
Sanjay Patel, Carolina Schottland, Sergio Rodriguez,
Kevin Strine, Brian Brubaker, John Boyk
442 N. Cedar Lake Road, Round Lake, IL 60073 · 847-546-5400
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